Subj : Luxon, Peters condemn 'shocking and illegal' Iran strikes on Israel
To   : All
From : News
Date : Mon Apr 15 2024 12:28 pm

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Foreign Minister Winston Peters have
issued a joint statement condemning Iran's drone and missile strikes on
Israel yesterday.


Iran said the attack was retaliation for a airstrike widely attributed to
Israel that killed two Revolutionary Guard generals at Iranian consular
offices in Syria earlier this month.


Israel said almost every one of the more than 300 drones and missiles
launched by Iran were shot down.


Yesterday's escalation followed a number of clashes between Israel and
Iran-backed groups including Hamas in Gaza, Lebanon's Hezbollah and Yemen's
Houthi rebels.


"These attacks are a major challenge to peace and stability in a region
already under enormous pressure," Luxon said of Iran's strikes.


"We are deeply concerned that miscalculation on any side could prove
disastrous.


"We call on all parties to step down from further retaliatory action.
De-escalation is essential."


Peters echoed the Prime Minister's comments.


"These unprecedented strikes on Israel only add to an already unstable global
environment," he said.Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Foreign Minister
Winston Peters have issued a joint statement condemning Iran's drone and
missile strikes on Israel yesterday.


Iran said the attack was retaliation for a airstrike widely attributed to
Israel that killed two Revolutionary Guard generals at Iranian consular
offices in Syria earlier this month.


Israel said almost every one of the more than 300 drones and missiles
launched by Iran were shot down.


Yesterday's escalation followed a number of clashes between Israel and
Iran-backed groups including Hamas in Gaza, Lebanon's Hezbollah and Yemen's
Houthi rebels.


"These attacks are a major challenge to peace and stability in a region
already under enormous pressure," Luxon said of Iran's strikes.


"We are deeply concerned that miscalculation on any side could prove
disastrous.


"We call on all parties to step down from further retaliatory action.
De-escalation is essential."


Peters echoed the Prime Minister's comments.


"These unprecedented strikes on Israel only add to an already unstable global
environment," he said.

"We fully support efforts by those in the region, and beyond, to contain the
tensions and protect innocent lives."


Kiwis in the region were urged to follow the advice of local authorities,
monitor local media for public safety updates, and check New Zealand's
SafeTravel website for updates.

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